John Locke Father Of Classical Liberalism Analysis

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1. Using examples from The Second Treatise of Government, explain some of the reasons that John Locke is regarded as the “father of Classical Liberalism.”

When John Locke published The Second Treatises of Government in 1690, he was one of the first people to discuss liberalism as a whole. One of the main beliefs of a classical liberal is that the primary emphasis should be placed on securing the freedom of the individual by limiting the power of the government. Not only did Locke believe that, but he also was the first to introduce the concept of having liberty from birth and equality for all. Because of this Locke is the true “father of classical liberalism
Liberty is the most critical topic in this book. Locke believed that having freedom …show more content…

Locke wanted to get away from the idea of the absolute monarchy and move towards a smaller and less powerful form of government. This new government would act towards protecting the lives, freedom and property of the people it was ruling. Locke also proposed that this new government would have to be chosen by its people, democratically. Not only were Locke’s idea on equality not limited to politics, but he also advocated the ideas of religious …show more content…

Kings who were “chosen by god to rule their kingdom”. When Locke proposed his ideas, he was the first person to publish a writing introducing concepts such as a government that the people chose. This was revolutionary. Locke constantly makes sure that the reader knows exactly what he is trying to convey. “To make things clearer, let us but trace some of the ordinary provisions of life, through their several progresses, before they come to our use, and see how much they receive of their value from human industry” (p.26). Also if it wasn’t for Locke’s revolutionary ideas monarchies would have been around for much long, and government probably wouldn’t look the way it does today. Locke was the first person to propose ideas of limited constitutional government and letting the people decide, how they wanted to love. He also believed that men were born with human rights and that everyone is born equal. “A state also of equality, wherein no one having more than another” (8) where man “should be equal amongst each other without subjection or

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